House releases nearly $76.2 billion spending plan

The Florida House is proposing a nearly $76.2 billion spending plan for this year.

The House released its proposed budget early Friday. The Senate’s full spending plan is expected to be released later in the day.

The rival plans are expected to be as much as $5 billion apart.

That’s because the Senate wants to include extra money to help hospitals. The Senate is also proposing to draw down federal aid in order to extend health care coverage to 800,000 Floridians.

Both sides have proposed to boost spending on public schools but not as much as Gov. Rick Scott wanted.

The gap between the two chambers means negotiations could be lengthy and contentious.

The only bill the Florida Legislature is required to pass during its 60-day session is the budget.